It’s clear we aren’t returning to a pre-October 7th reality. In adversity, we must stand together. For generations, the Annual Campaign has been our most powerful tool for facing crisis. When we collectively pool our resources through the Annual Campaign—whether time or financial generosity—we unite our strength and make the biggest possible impact together.
This year, your gift to the Annual Campaign will strengthen our community locally and globally at a moment when we are being tested as never before. Your generosity will enable us to continue caring for the needs of our community, including programs to help those who are struggling with poverty. This year, it will also enable us to tackle four urgent priorities: helping Israelis recover from October 7th, fighting antisemitism, strengthening community security, and investing in Jewish identity and pride among our youth.
For years, gifts to UJA’s Annual Campaign have been invested in programs which strengthen Israelis’ resilience in the face or terror—especially in Sderot, our partner community. Through this Annual Campaign, we will continue investing in services for those whose lives were shattered on October 7th. Whether funding mental health programs or providing aid to victims of terrorism, our support will help ensure Israelis overcome this crisis and find safety and stability.
We are living through the worst wave of antisemitism in decades. Your support for the Annual Campaign is an investment in holding antisemites accountable, building up active allies, empowering community members to join the fight, and pushing back against hate on campus.
UJA is moving forward with a bold initiative to transform Jewish communal security in the GTA. Your gift to the Annual Campaign will support the creation of a dedicated security agency and intelligence team, as well as oversee the modernization of physical security infrastructure and volunteer training at 100+ Jewish institutions.
The rise of anti-Israel and anti-Jewish hate is an attack on the Jewish identity of our youth. It is imperative that young people develop a strong sense of Jewish pride, and are equipped with knowledge to combat hate and lies. Yet at a moment when our young people most need Jewish experiences, the rising cost of living is preventing many from fully participating in Jewish life. Taking care of our community during this difficult time also means supporting affordability programs to make Jewish experiences more accessible.
At a time when there are so many urgent challenges in the Jewish world, it is essential that the foundations of our community remain strong. This is why, as always, dollars raised through the Annual Campaign will continue our poverty relief work, support mental health programs, and so much more.
Have you been the victim of a hate crime? Witnessed something suspicious that may impact our community's security?
In an emergency, your first call should be to 911.